ALUMA-HYDE® II Reviews & Ratings
Reviews Summary
Aluma-Hyde® II garners mixed feedback, with many users appreciating its cost-effectiveness and ease of application, while others encounter issues with nozzle clogging and inconsistent color matching, particularly with the FDE variants. Durability after curing is generally praised, though some users report chipping and flaking over time. Overall, users recommend proper prep and caution for the best results.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Application Process
70%
Many reviewers emphasize the importance of following the application instructions precisely, including thorough cleaning and allowing adequate cure time. Users highlight that successful application often requires shaking the can extensively and avoiding excessive heat when curing.
Durability
65%
The durability of Aluma-Hyde® II is frequently mentioned, with many users noting it holds up well under regular use. However, some express disappointment when experiencing chipping or wear, especially in high-friction areas.
Color Match
60%
Color consistency is a significant concern. Several users report discrepancies between the color on the cap and the actual paint, particularly with variants like Coyote and FDE. Aluma-Hyde II is described as closer to Sage or light tan rather than the expected hues.
Nozzle and Clogging Issues
55%
Numerous reviews highlight issues with the spray nozzles clogging shortly after use, leading to spattering or inconsistent application. Users recommend purchasing extra nozzles as a precaution.
Value for Money
75%
Despite the mixed feedback, many users find Aluma-Hyde® II to be a cost-effective alternative to professional coatings like Cerakote. The majority feel that it delivers adequate performance for the price, especially for DIY projects.
Magpul Gde
Used this with my latest AR pistol build. I Ann very happy with the color, it is the finish that was a little off. I sprayed flat clear on it very sparingly and was able to achieve the look I wanted. I highly recommend this to the folk HeRe that are unhappy with the glossy look.
VERY CLOSE MATCH TO MAGPUL FDE!
This is as close to magpul fde as you can get! I just painted a stripped upper and lower and I couldn't be more satisfied! I sprayed several light coats and didn't have any issues with the finish being glossy or shiny. I think if you do the proper prep work (light sanding, and degrease) you'll be very happy with the product. This is my first time using the aluma hyde so I can't comment on the durability but at this point I would definitely recommend!
It's an exact match to Magpul FDE.
I want to set the record straight about the glossy finish. If you keep on spraying layer after layer with any Alumahyde ll finish, you will eventually make it a glossy finish from having too much of it on your firearm. When using Alumahyde ll you should use the fan style nozzles when applying it. Also this stuff coats very well so there really isn't any need for spraying more than 2 to 3 coats tops on the firearm or part you are finishing with it. Also you can speed up the cure time by baking it between 185-195 degrees for 4 hours. When it reaches room temperature after you get done baking it, it will be fully cured and ready to go. Poly will even hold up at this temperature. Hope this helps you all out.
Excellent
Excellent product. Follow the instructions !! Covers nicely. Super close to Magpul's FDE. I highly recommend... Make your first coat light, wait 15 minutes and apply the second coat. I left the parts in the sun for six hours and was able to reassemble. The parts I coated were small. If you cover large parts like the butt-stock, ect., I would allow them to cure for five days before I put them to use. I will definitely use these coatings. Again, follow the instructions and make sure what you are coating is very clean and free from oil and dirt....
I like it!
I really like AH2, I've used it to refinish several synthetic shotgun stocks and a lever action that had seen better days. Some things I do when using it: 1) Degrease 2)sand blast with aluminum oxide @ 60 to 70 psi 3)Degrease again 4)I heat up the can of paint with a small space heater 5)I take a small propane torch and lightly run it length wise on the firearm about to be painted. It makes sure there is no moisture on the item. Any moisture is a no go. 6)I shake the can for a couple minutes< it should be extremely warm but not hot. 7) I then hang the part with an old coat hanger 8) I then spray next to the part to make sure the spray is even (I didnt do that one time and got a big spray of globs) then spray in quick/fast/even motions, letting the spray dry just enough to overlap your paint without it running (I didnt do that too one time and got a big nasty run that couldnt be fixed without starting over) 9) Now the hardest part, leaving it alone for 10 to 14 days. After about a week I take it off the hanger and lay it on a shelf with a large piece of cardboard on it, keeping it from touching anything hard/metal that might scratch it
Great stuff
Had an AR lower to paint. Well I ordered a can. It arrived quick. I shook the dang can forever and no rattle ball!, I emailed tech support and they quick shipped another can - rattled right out of the box! I got the one in a million can with no ball.. just my luck. Follow the video on here and you will get great results, I did!.
Absolutely does as advertized,
Prep the rifle is key. 1st try with complete camo line of product, end result was awesome. Great product, will buy more and do another rifle. 1st attempt on synthetic stock, follow directions to the letter, beautiful outcome. Thanks guys.
Perfect For M1 Garand Gas Cylinders
I used this to refinish my M1 Garand gas cylinder parts and it did a fantastic job. The parts look brand new, I had no problems using this product, followed directions on the can.
I love this product! Pics of my AR:
I baked it on @ 200* for 5 hours. The base is Earth Brown and then I applied stencils and the top coat it Coyote. It is very hard and resistant to solvents including bore cleaner and acetone. I bought tons of new spray nozzles and it goes on thick but after baking is ready for use.
The high desert meat and potatos paint
Where I live everthing is faded from the wind and the weather. Whether its a rock, a bush, or the ground it is faded. This paint color does ok with any of those three in the background. Perfect up against rock- no- perfect in vegetation - no perfect in grass no but it works against all three. It does Ok in all the seasons except of course snow when only white works. Perfect no but it does ok. Its tough as nails, I use it as a base coat for everthing then usually add a little arevoe earth red and sand. I have not found a paint that works better across the board in the high desert ponderosa country. The best color of the alumnahydes IMHO. One of those brownells products that is above and beyond.


